Educational Outreach
Our Program
The SAR Outreach Education program is open to and inclusive of public visitors and educators at any involvement level (SAR and non-SAR members alike) who would like to use this material for their educational purposes. The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) kindly welcomes all school groups, community groups, SAR members, and interested public members to visit the SAR National Headquarters located along Museum Row in downtown Louisville. Those interested in the SAR Outreach Education program initiatives and its programming should contact Rae Ann Sauer in order to set up student field trips and streamline your visit requirements. Further details concerning the available programs can be found in its School Programs Brochure, which can be printed and posted in classrooms and schools to encourage educator interest in the SAR. Educators may use the pre-visit guidelines for the Outreach Center Guidelines as a resource to prepare their students for their unique hands-on learning experience. Visitors may also use Google Maps to arrange their travel plans to the SAR Headquarters.
SAR Education Committee Mission
The Education Committee mission is to define and support the educational goals and programs of the SAR on local, state, and national levels.
SAR Education Committee Vision
The Education Committee Vision is to use Education Outreach to perpetuate knowledge of our founding documents and stories of patriotism, courage, sacrifice, tragedy, and triumph of the patriots who achieved the independence of the American people in the belief that these stories are universal ones of man’s eternal struggle against tyranny, relevant to all time, and will inspire and strengthen each succeeding generation as it too is called upon to defend our freedoms on the battlefield and in our public institutions.
The Sons of the American Revolution sponsor a number of programs that educate and reward the youth of our chapter
Education Committee
Dr. Tom & Betty Lawrence American History Teacher Award
Click Here for Information and Guidelines
High School Students
George & Stella Knight Essay Contest
Open to any high school student in grade 9-12 attending home school, public, parochial, or private high school. 800 to 1,200 word essay on event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or framing of US Constitution. Chapter, state & national level competition. Winners of state and national competition receive a cash prize.
Click Here for Information and Guidelines
High School Students
Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest
Open to high school students in grades 9-12. Each student’s five-to-six-minute speech (and accompanying manuscript) is judged based upon its composition, delivery, significance, and historical accuracy and relevance. Competition is at the chapter, state & national level with winners receiving scholarships or cash prizes.
Rumbaugh Oration Contest Information and Guidelines
Middle School Students
Sergeant Moses Adams Memorial Middle School Brochure Contest
Open to middle school students (grade 6—9), depending upon when the American Revolution is taught, including ecumenical and home-schooled students. Tri-fold brochure from 8-1/2 x 11 paper. Based on 1 of 5 founding documents; Articles of Confederation, Declaration of Independence, Federalist Papers, Constitution, & Bill or Rights. Cash prizes are awarded to state and national contest winners.
Elementary School Students
Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest
Open to public, private, or ecumenical, and home schooled students in the 3rd, 4th, or 5th grades, depending on when the American Revolution is taught. Created on standard flexible or foam backed poster board. Theme set by National, state identifies state-wide theme based on National theme. Cash prizes are awarded to state and national contest winners.
Information & guidelines for 2026 coming soon.
ROTC/JROTCs
Outstanding ROTC/JROTC Cadet Award
The Unit Commanding Officer selects the college ROTC cadet (silver medal) or high school cadet (bronze medal) who has the highest degree of merit with respect to leadership qualities, military bearing, and general excellence. Chapter winners compete at the state & national level for cash awards.
Eagle Scouts
Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Contest
Open to any Eagle Scout not yet 19 during the year of application. Applicants submit a 2 page application, four-generation ancestry chart, & 500 word patriotic theme. Chapter winners compete at the state & national level. National award is $10,000 as cash prize or scholarship.
NSSAR Youth Video Contest National Program
On 7 May 2024, the Executive Committee considered and approved a formal proposal to create the NSSAR Youth Video Contest as a full National level program. In addition, the Youth Video Contest Committee was established to administer the program. Upon achieving their goal, the Task Force was dissolved and this Chairman would like to thank each of the members (as well as non-members) for their hard work and support in making this new youth contest a reality.
At this time, the Youth Video Contest Committee encourages each of the State Societies to establish and administer a Youth Video Contest. A tool kit is being prepared with documents and materials necessary to build a program. Help is available.
During a recent Zoom meeting, the contest rules were reviewed, amended, and updated. Some essential changes include:
- Contestants have been expanded to include all Middle School and High School students (6th – 12th grade)
- Entries may be submitted by a single contestant or by a group.
- Video length: 3 – 5 minutes
- Language regarding original content, copyright infringement, plagiarism, and Artificial Intelligence has been expanded.
- Prizes for the 2024-2025 school year:
- First Place: $1500
- Second Place: $500
- The First Place winner will receive a stipend of up to $1500 to reimburse travel to the NSSAR National Congress
- Cash awards greater than $600 may be received as a scholarship with the completion of appropriate tax documents.
- The deadline for submission at the National level is 15 February.
Lapel pins are available at the bronze level for $100 and the silver level for $250. Donations should be sent directly to Headquarters and designated to benefit the Youth Video Contest.